Devoted to the Study of Psychoanalytic Object Relations Theory and Therapy

The Philadelphia Psychotherapy Study Center offers a dynamic learning community for psychologists, social workers and counselors in the Philadelphia region. Led by Charles Ashbach, Karen Fraley, and Paul Koehler, PPSC is a place for mental health professionals to continue to study, learn and share ideas.

Our goal is to foster an understanding of the mind and psyche through an in-depth reading and study of the major object relations and psychoanalytic theorists. To that end we provide unique continuing education opportunities and seminars that embrace a dual perspective — integrating theoretical concepts with the particular immediacies of the clinical encounter.

PPSC Faculty

Charles Ashbach, Ph.D.

Suzanne St. John, Ph.D.

Karen Fraley, LCSW

Paul Koehler, MSW

Our Philosophy

Object relations theory has grown to encompass a broad spectrum of ideas concerning the origin and function of the internalized object and its fate in various contexts. We are invested in studying an approach where realities of the body, group, and imagination may be productively integrated to understand the forces that lead to psychic growth. Read more about our philosophy.

Our New Book

• SUFFERING AND SACRIFICE IN THE CLINICAL ENCOUNTER

  By Charles Ashbach, Karen Fraley, Paul Kohler, James Poulton
  
  • This book is published by Phoenix Publishing House and if purchased directly from Phoenix you will receive a 10% discount and free worldwide shipping.
    Buy Now!
    A complete book synopsis available here.
    
    
    
  
  
  

  Current Seminars

• Cultivating Alive Moments

  This seminar will be structured around the careful reading and study of Countertransference and Alive Moments: Help or Hindrance, by R. D. Hinshelwood. This book delineates ways in which, by way of our understanding of projective and introjective identification, the psychodynamic psychotherapist can contain and make use of his countertransference feelings and reactions to more fully understand his patients and subsequently to facilitate "alive" moments of emotional contact in which the patient's dynamics and dilemmas are more fully available in the here and now of the clinical encounter. In addition to lecture and discussion of the readings, participants will be invited to share relevant case material.Learn more.